Signing off from the 2008 Transplant Games

Well, we did it…and we did it in a record breaking way! Another successful Transplant Games is in the books and the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, through generous support from our treasured donors, helped make it possible.

As you have undoubtedly read, nearly 125 Phi Sigma Sigma volunteers from all over the country converged on Pittsburgh for a life-changing weekend. For us, what is extra special about this trip to the Games is that the stories keep coming. We are still getting almost daily emails from our volunteers who have reached out to athletes via e-mail and are hearing more about their triumphs of life. We are still hearing from our volunteers who, because of their experience at the Games, have decided to make another generous donation to the Foundation so we're able to continue supporting the Games, as well as leadership development programs and scholarships and grants.

It was equally inspiring to hear from you, our faithful readers, as you reacted to blog posts and left comments for us. It was touching to read your comments and exciting every time Katie yelled out that we had another comment. Yes, we were reading your comments in real time, just as you were reading our posts in real time.

There are so many people to thank for their support of the Games. You have read about some of them before, but it bears another thank you to the corporations, friends, chapters and sisters who generously supported our experience at the Games. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making all of this possible.

Signing off from the 2008 Games,

Kim Hildred, Foundation President
Katie Herschede, Transplant Games Chairman

Phi Sigs Are Famous!

Here's the latest PR Phi Sig or its sisters have received from the Games!

Check out this clip from CNN.com. You can see Phi Sigma Sigma volunteers in a number of the scenes! Click here to watch the video!

This video clip features Gretchen Ehle and her father Randy, and while it doesn't mention Phi Sig, BOTH are wearing their Phi Sig shirts! Click here to view the clip!

Here's Aubrey Birden's interview with Channel 11 (she's wearing the blue-green T-shirt): Click here to watch!

And this is the article from the paper with Aubrey's picture (shown previously on this blog): Click here to view the photo and read the story!

My 'Transplant Games moment' came AFTER the event...

From Candace Hogan, Foundation VP and volunteer at the Games, dictated as she returned home from a business trip.

Here's a story that I think illustrates how the Games can affect you in ways you never expected or thought possible:

Immediately after the Games, I had to attend a conference for work, meeting people in my company whom I usually only work with remotely. One of the people I bumped into is the IT guy who helps me by phone several times a year.... Nice guy, and I just happened to mention how I'd spent my weekend in Pittsburgh.

Well, much to my surprise, his eyes starting tearing up. He said, "You know my 25-year-old son was killed in an accident two years ago?" He'd been a promising young law student in San Diego, and his death devastated the family. Just before the accident, his son had explained to his parents that he intended to be a donor. He was very specific about his wishes. ... And after his untimely, tragic passing, "We donated everything we could," his father said. But it had not been an easy decision.... I spent a few minutes explaining what I'd witnessed at the Games and how people were living normal, healthy and good lives because of the selfless giving of families like his.

The next day, when I was walking through the corporate office and saying good-bye, I visited the IT guy's office. I complimented pictures of his family and his son, and just as I got to the doorway, he stopped me and said that he'd told his wife about what we'd discussed the day before, and what a comfort my stories of the Games were to both of them. They felt they'd made the right decision.

For me, THIS was my "Games moment" - the one that struck home about the importance of the work we do. I suspect there will be many post-Games moments for sisters who volunteered and, perhaps, for those who are reading this blog!

Pictures from the Transplant Games!

From Judith: 'Pleasant, wonderful, heartwarming'

Brief note from Judith Distler, past Grand Archon and volunteer at this year's Games:

It was a pleasure to attend, and to live our own values.

It was wonderful to see so many collegians working with others from different chapters, and to remember that these women came on their own time and at their own expense.

It was a heartwarming experience in all respects.

Bonding with the Harrises, 'regular folks just like you and me'

Lisa R. writes: No matter where I went this past weekend, and regardless of the thousands of athletes milling about, I always seemed to find the Harris family of Huntington, West Virginia. Be it at breakfast, on buses, outside table tennis or in hallways -- we kept running into each other. After about the fourth time, we accepted this fate, and bonded.



The family is led by the dynamic duo of Ken and Joy Ann, the latter of whom is the athlete of the group and the apple of her husband's eye, given how warmly and proudly he speaks of her.... Three years ago, Joy Ann had a life-saving transplant -- and, that same year she married Ken! This red-headed, fun-loving spitfire of a woman had more energy than I feel on a good day, and watching her at the Games was truly a "Joy" to behold.

The Harrises and I talked about everything.... About their adorable granddaughter, Gabby (who, it's said, lives true to her name!) -- about "Brain Age" for DS, and staying young no matter what age you are.... And about so much more.

These were regular, good folks, overcoming an uncommon, even difficult situation that could affect any one of us. What a blessing to meet them, and what a reminder to us all that people who need organ donations are just like you and me....

'I loved the Games, and Chris Klug, and ... everything!'

From Ashley Ferrentino, EZ chapter sister (and one of the Phi Sig 5K runners from Sunday a.m.!)

After spending 2 days at the Transplant Games this past weekend, the only thing that I can say is WOW! It was such a wonderful experience, seeing people from all over the U.S., hearing stories that made me cry, meeting my new hero (U.S. Olympic snowboarder Chris Klug), running in the 5K race, and spending some quality time with my fellow sisters.

It was an eye-opening experience that made me think about a lot of things. Since the opening ceremonies on Saturday night, I am seriously considering putting my name on a "live donor" list in hopes of changing someone's life. I know this is a serious thing, but I really am thinking about it!

I hope there's a way I can go to the next one in 2010!

LITP, {Looking Into Trans-Planting? hahaha)
Ash

P.S.... Bill Wohl is my new hero (google him!)
P.P.S....HELLLLLLLOOOOO CHRISSSSSSS <3

More from Wendy... My 'Michael' story

FROM: Wendy Lau, continued from a previous blog (submitted after she'd returned home from the Games)....

Of all the people I've met in the last two days, I'd have to say that Michael is the one that stands out in my mind. Michael is competing with Team Arizona this year, and has already done pretty well in two days' worth of competing, including earning a few medals and breaking some records!


But for me, it's not about how fast he is, how many records he's broken, or the fact that he could probably kill me with just a thought, it's about the joy. (In case you're wondering, Michael just got his second black belt in Hapkido - apologies if I spelled that wrong - and apparently works as some super secret government agent; well, I'm not ENTIRELY sure about his occupation because as he says, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you.")

So, back to the "joy" part of what I just said.... If you don't know what I mean about that, you will in about 60 seconds - or longer, depending on how fast you read! Within minutes of my conversation with Michael, I found out that he had leukemia, and had received a bone marrow transplant from his older sister some years ago. For any of you that have ever kept up with my ramblings on MySpace, or just happen to know me, you know that not very long ago, the Phi Sig chapter I advise at the University of La Verne lost a sister to leukemia.

Neddie Iniguez was just barely 21 when she passed away, but she remains in my heart and in my thoughts. When doctors told Neddie that there wasn't much left that they could do for her, a lesser person would have become bitter and angry about the hand that was dealt to her - but not Neddie. Neddie took it in stride. Sometimes, I think she worried more about how her friends, family, and sorority sisters would take the news than the reality of her own mortality.


Neddie was about living in the NOW - savoring the good moments, forgetting the bad, and giving it everything she had. She chose to focus on the positive, and embrace the joy of life. Yes, she had her moments, but overwhelmingly, more often than not, she was the candle that lit up the darkness. When someone was having a bad day, Neddie would be the one to try to pick them up, give them a hug, and remind them that there was happiness to be had. Ironic, isn't it? That the person who would have had every right to be angry and frustrated and bitter would be the one that was busy comforting others, making them laugh, and bringing joy into their lives. Puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

Although I miss Neddie, the memory of her words, her actions, and her philosophy on life has carried me through some of my own darkest days. Most recently, I had hit some rough patches due to some personal issues, and I was about as bummed out as I've been in awhile. In fact, the day before I left to come out to the Transplant Games, I was feeling incredibly stressed out, and on edge. As I was driving home from work, I suddenly thought about Neddie. It was enough to wake me up and remind me to appreciate the blessings in my life. I know that sounds simplistic, but maybe you had to know Neddie to know why it works.

At any rate, Michael reminds me of Neddie - and no, it's not the fact that he had leukemia, although it does play a part. Michael reminds me of Neddie because he's energetic and full of life. He can talk your ear off (in a good way), he cracks random jokes, and he reminds me of how joyous life is, and can be. The timing couldn't be better. My immediate stress levels on Thursday were alleviated by thoughts of Neddie; the Transplant Games have been a celebration of life, and the end of my trip has been bookended by meeting Michael.

Maybe it sounds silly, but I feel like it's one of those signs from the Universe confirming that everything is going to work out just right.

Liz's blog: 'Tested, but never bested - and we always aim high!'

From Liz Rodriguez, Foundation Director and Counsel (and Games photographer, whom we saw everywhere and yet, as sisters who love her, never "saw" to hang out with, it would seem, because of how busy she was!):

Despite being tired and sleep deprived, this was an unforgettable weekend. (One thing I never figured out - how I could go left or right while driving around and end up in the same place. I felt I was lost all weekend!)

I continue to be amazed and inspired by my sisters. To say that our leadership skills were tested this weekend was an understatement. But we proved we can adapt to difficult situations and make things happen.

Above all, we are all A-types :) We all learned new skills (Tara can now measure long jump; Missy learned a lot about basketball scoring and timeouts). Even more impressively, every single Phi Sig there went above and beyond.

Here are a few examples:

• Wendy and Missy made sure swimming events went off on Sunday.
  Dani made sure the "big boys" played fair.


• Caryn made sure the bowling tournament started (and was a "pro negotiator" for pins).


• Candace and Pam even made chocolate pudding for us!!


• And to all our "bouncers" at the basketball tournament and track and field, you did a fantastic job under difficult circumstances.

Thank you all for Aiming High and making all Phi Sigs proud!

Liz

Oops, can't forget track and field ...!

Final blog from Missy (who STILL has a fever, and is still blogging! Talk about dedication):

After getting myself ready Monday morning, I ran to the track and field games to help Stef out as promised. This was a great end to my time here. I got to see my Team Florida basketball players competing in long jump and softball throw. These kids are incredible. I also met Samantha, a superstar long jumper who had a heart transplant. This little athlete is going to go far. I also am going to send Samantha the pic I caught of her in mid-jump. Great job today!

Well, that is the end of my games comments (unless I think of something else I missed). I cannot tell you how much this meant to me attending these games. I met so many incredible people and heard many stories that truly touched me. Phi Sig, thanks for making this possible. I do not care where the next games are being held, I will be there. I just need to remember to take my GPS or pray we do not have as many bridges to cross or road construction to navigate around (oh and sorry again for those who got to experience my off-road driving skills!! : P

Love to all the athletes, donor families and living donors -- and to my Phi Sig sisters who were such an incredible help this weekend!

'I've never seen kids like these...' -- Missy's b-ball experience

From Missy S. after returning home from the games, driving 5 hours and ending up with a 101-degree fever!

I just woke up from a much needed nap, and I am missing the games and the athletes already. So I decided to try to finish talking about the events from yesterday and today. I need to make a few comments about 3-on-3 basketball last night because I met some of my favorite athletes there.


I was lucky enough to have Liz Rodriguez helping me score for the youth games -- and Liz, I have to tell you I had a blast! It was so awesome hanging out with you and getting to know you!!

Liz and I were able to watch Teams Philly, Indiana, Florida and Mississippi play. Now this was the 14-and-under group, and these games started around 6:30 p.m. and were not over til way past 10:30. I was exhausted from a 15-hour day of volunteering, but watching these little athletes with so much energy and drive keep playing 'til they were exhausted was beyond words.

I have to shout out to a few of these powerhouses. I mentioned Junior Whopper in an earlier blog. Junior Whopper was a little guy named Michael, but he had such a huge personality. His mother told me that he just received a second kidney on Labor Day and without this second kidney he would not be here with us today. My eyes welled with tears as I looked at him and knew how special this little boy was.

Then there was Mary Katherine, Garrett and Payton from Team Mississippi. These kids were the only three on the team which meant they never got to sub out and take a break. They also played three 20-minute games in a row. I have never seen 3 kids with more love for life and drive than these three. Go Team Mississippi!!

Then, Team Florida. I fell in love with Gabriel, Heather, Reese and Trevor. These kids were so awesome on the courts and each one of their stories was just incredible. I have a pic of me with some of these kids, and one with Liz with them so I hope you get to see them. (Editor's note: They are posted elsewhere in the blog.) Thanks for making our night so fun!!!

The NKF staff volunteers also thanked us profusely for the work we did that night at the basketball games. Not only are the athletes thanking us for being here, but the staff also has told me they are so appreciative that we are here to help them and make things run smoothly for the athletes. It is a wonderful feeling to know we are making a difference in a lot of lives.

I am going to go lie down and debate whether I can find the energy to go to work tomorrow. I am sad the games are over, but cannot wait til the 2010 games to see how much my little basketball players have grown. 'Night all!

From Julie: Monday's track and field success stories

Monday, off to track and field with all of the other Phi Sigs still in attendance at the games. On the way to Carnegie Mellon I got to meet Jack from Team Arkansas as he hopped on the hotel shuttle with us. Jack has been featured several times on the blog with Caryn and on a post by Missy. I would definitely say that Jack is a new Phi Sig friend. What a great guy. This is his first games, but he said he is "hooked" and won't miss them again. We will be sure to be on the lookout for him at the next games.

Track and field - what a huge event. All volunteers were very much needed and all played an active role in their duties. We were all over the place - I don't think there was an event going on where a Phi Sig was not spotted. The time passed very quickly and then we were done. The one big question that I kept hearing though is, "What is a tartan?" As in the Carnegie Mellon Tartans. We quickly learned it is a plaid pattern, like what is used for a Scottish kilt. Their mascot is a Scottish terrier with a tartan plaid sweater.

Last thing was the 5-hour drive back home. Thanks to Jamie and Autumn for taking turns sleeping so that I always had company for the ride. The weekend consisted of little sleep, coordinating showering schedules, not eating regularly, having trouble navigating the city, etc. You've heard it all throughout the different blogs. It was great sharing this experience with all Phi Sigs. I'm glad Autumn could experience this as her first Phi Sig event, being our newest initiate. It was great recapping the weekend with both Jamie and Autumn on the drive home.

What an amazing weekend. How wonderful to see so many Phi Sigs give of their own time and money to be in attendance and dedicated to something so worthwhile. I don't think there was one of us there who was not touched by someone participating at the games and who will not carry this experience with them forever. I wasn't fully sure what to expect upon arriving. I was excited to know that I would be seeing fellow Phi Sigs from around the country, but quickly learned this was not like other Phi Sig events. I really spent very little time catching up with other Phi Sigs as I quickly learned this was about something so much more, and so much bigger.

Hope to see you all, and to have an even bigger Phi Sig delegation, in Madison, Wisc., in 2010!

Julie Orchard
Community 4 Archon

GO 'Team Phi Sig! - Team Philly's Sharon (EZ Chapter) at shot put!

At the shot put competition: Phi Sig sister Sharon got some air on this baby!


Missy, Sharon and Lisa R., in the shade of the tree where track and field competitions were taking place at Carnegie Mellon.

Signing off for now... more soon!

OK, sisters and friends...! Many more stories to come, but time has run out for blogging from the Games, as some of us are hiking it quickly to the airport from track and field competitions (and the computer for blogging goes with).

Katie will no doubt post something after this from her Blackberry.



For now, let me end this part of the Games (which live on in our hearts and memories, and which you'll hear more about once we arrive home) with something Michele said to us just moments ago, while surveying the vastness of the Games below on the field, filled with children and adults -- all survivors of medical conditions that threatened their lives, if not for the miracle of organ donation. She said:

"We need to remember how good our lives are.... That, no matter what we're experiencing in our personal lives, or how bad a day might be, our troubles are nothing compared to what others overcome."

We admire the heroism of the athletes, and we thank every sister who volunteered to help make this NKF event a tremendous success!

Signing off for now

LITP,

Lisa R.

Blog interview with weary, wonderful Michele Dominiak!

<-Michele and Kim @ Expo!

Blog from Michele Dominiak, leaning wearily on Katie's camera bag from the banister above Lisa R.'s head in the president's press box above the Tartans track & field, as dictated to Lisa:

LR: Say something, Michele. I'll blog what you say.

MD: While I am tired, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I'm so very glad I got the opportunity to participate.

LR: Favorite event moment?

MD: Watching the little kids swim, cheering them on, especially the ones who were struggling to finish.

LR: Why was that your favorite?

MD: Well, a) because it was incredibly emotional and b) because we're just so proud of these kids that you don't even know.

LR: Favorite Phi Sig moment of the Games?

MD: At the Expo on Saturday when most of our women were there, the Delta Zeta (Stevens Institute) women lined up on each side of the aisle, creating a sort of gauntlet for athletes to walk through. And as they did, our sisters hollered and cheered. It was so cool.

Katie H. (chipping in from a chair nearby, surveying the Games below): Yeah, some people started dancing through it!

LR: Sort of like a recruitment event?

Michele, Katie: (laughter) Yeah, sort of!

MD: Other good times: Trying to find your way to or from any venue here... an adventure any time you got in the car! Oh, and the "inclinator!"

LR: What's this about the 'inclinator'?

MD: (laughs) Last night, when Wendy and I were taking three Kappa women to the airport, we were trying to act like tour guides or something. And we passed the Duquesne Incline (cable car railway that transports people up and down the steep, scenic Mount Washington overlooking the city) and Wendy says, "What's this called? The 'Inclinator?' I think it's one of the tallest in the world.... Anyway, it's something tall and big!" Needless to say, we were very informative and impressive!